Are Electric Cars Really That Big Of A Deal?
This Will Depend On Who You Ask
Tesla autos are fast, and they’re better than many previous electric options, hybrids, and the ghastly-named Prius. However, the factories which produce batteries commonly used in electric cars end up negatively impacting the environment more in the production of those batteries than whatever carbon offsets derive from the vehicles in question.
The thing is, though the potential is there, as yet the technology has not quite reached the point where an electric vehicle, or any vehicle running on alternative energy, is more efficient than one running from traditional fuels. Though an individual vehicle may outperform a non-electric car, the problem is in the associated costs.
When you can’t afford to buy an electric car unless you mortgage your house, it’s not providing value requisite to its difference from traditional cars. Right now a Tesla will run you up, minimum, $36k plus the $1,200 destination fee. And then you’ve only got a range of 220 miles. It’s all fun and games until you want to get out of the city, where there aren’t charging stations.
The Infrastructure Issue
For electric cars to work, national infrastructure to provide for them must be put into play. Hybrids are the only really feasible option right now. Some of them are quite affordable, you’ll save money on gasoline, and they’re made with a high level of reliability. However, the cost of repair is high, owing to necessary specialty, and the electrical components defining such vehicles.
If you’re going to get an electric vehicle, it’s best to purchase it outright so there’s no associated debt, and if you go this route, buying hybrid is wiser than full electric. If you go full electric, you are definitely not going to be able to travel as far as you could with a traditional vehicle running on gasoline or diesel.
By The Numbers
Now that said, you will save money on gas—but where can you go? If you’ve got a 220 mile range, that will require a recharge about once a week if you average 31 miles a day. For many people, the average is 41 miles a day. Now, it’s not a big deal to charge the vehicle at home; you’ll always have a full “tank”. But outside the city, except where charging stations exist, you’re sunk.
People average about 15k miles a year. With an average cost of refuel at $40 a tank for 300 miles (a reasonable average between interstate and city driving), you’re looking at $2k a year in fuel alone. For a Tesla, the cost is $37,400 for the cheapest new model with delivery. It would take you 18.7 years to get your money back in saved gas alone, or 280,500 miles.
What To Take Away
Electric cars just aren’t worth it—yet. But there is potential, and technology both miniaturizes and refines almost daily. While some may argue carbon offsets make an electrical vehicle worth it, because of the cost of producing batteries directly in terms of resources and indirectly in terms of environmental impact, as yet, electric cars still don’t quite make the grade.
However, they very well may in the near future. Keep an eye on the market, and be sure to subscribe to our blog at Anybody’s Autos for more tips on vehicle ownership, maintenance, acquisition, and associated market trends.